Part 16 (1/2)

”But, dear Allan, there is always that time beyond that. It is wonderful to look forward to that, is it not?”

The boy nodded in a.s.sent, a little slowly, as if he were realizing that it was so. He looked at the girl now and the feeling grew that Yosalinde was to be the one who would lead him onward. Even now, her fine spirit was helping him to cross the first of the pitfalls. The wish for the girl was the first rung on the high ladder of worthiness.

In the late afternoon the boy returned to the court. Of a truth he had almost forgotten that this was the day for the kitchen boy to come forth. Nor did he, what with thinking of Yosalinde and his mission that must soon be, remember it until he had almost returned.

”Come Walker, let us make haste, for I would know the news.”

So they hurried and had not been inside the gates many moments before Allan had found out. But it was only when he came to Sir Launcelot that he heard the other news that he could go forth with the other two on adventure's way.

He was glad that he could go with these two who were also young for he could himself adventure so much the more readily. He would have been abashed to do so with knights such as his own lord or Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine.

Sir Launcelot found the boy soon after.

”When you return, and I think it will not be for more than a year, mayhap, two, the King will dub you knight, so I think. Remember Allan, to be worthy for the things ahead and remember, too, that I am at beck and call, if you need me, if so be you can find me.

”This journey will be the great test. I pray that you return and prove what I think you will be. Sir Percival, I understand has armor, sword, lance and spear for you. I shall furnish you with s.h.i.+eld. So go you your way and remember that there are few knights who will be found stouter or more skillful than Gareth.”

Allan found Gareth soon thereafter and thanked him for letting him go with him. Then did the three, Sir Gareth, Breunor le Noire and Allan plan for many things. The blood of youth raced in their veins even as they planned. Many things would they do. Britain would hear of these three, so they hoped.

A goodly trio, of a truth, they made as they rode forth the next day, the maid Linet with them, and only Walker following behind. Three most wors.h.i.+pful knights watched them as they made their way down the long road and disappeared from view.

Perhaps, too, it was only chance that led them again past the castle of Sir Percival. There Allan made point to enter the same promising to catch up with the others as they continued on their way. Nor could he stay more than but a few moments but in those few moments he had told all to Yosalinde. She, too, watched him, as he hastened to join the others.

Long before he returned she had entered the convent in accordance with the plan of her mother and brother. Yet, in the heart of each of them was only the thought of the future, their hopes were in the far away.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Gareth Battles Sir Brian

Brave and adventurous were the days that followed. Many days they journeyed to the north. Eager was Sir Gareth to reach the castle of the fair Dame Lyoness and to take issue with the Knight of the Red Lawns, her oppressor.

”Yet, good knight,” said the fair Lady Linet. ”Not an easy road will you find it. There do be many brave knights you will find on this road who will seek to joust with you. Many brave knights who seek adventure as do you.”

”If it were not so, then would the way be long indeed. May such adventure come right soon, we shall welcome it.” So spoke Gareth and his two friends echoed his words.

Yet it was not until the second day that their wish was fulfilled. For as they rode forward there came a man in great haste toward them. He further increased his pace and gave a glad cry of relief.

Said Allan, who was foremost, ”What ails you. Why your haste?”

”I have just escaped from some thieves who have entrapped my master.

They number six and fierce and st.u.r.dy did they seem. I beseech your aid, good masters, for my master is a brave knight who has suffered misfortune.”

So then did the three, undecided for the moment, look to each other.

Until Breunor le Noire exclaimed.

”Let us to this knight's aid at once.” The same thought being in the mind of the other two, they begged the Lady Linet to await them and hurried forward to this, their first adventure.

But the man who came to them, unknowingly, had misled them. For the outlaws numbered more than six as they soon found out. So that when they came to the dell in which the thieves were lodged, the three of them together with Walker, there came forth to oppose them over a dozen ruffians, each carrying either club or mace or spear.